Exercises Reduce Breast Cancer Negative Effects

(ePharmaNews) - Exercise can help improve breast cancer patients' quality of life and protect them from the psychological problems while they undergo treatment, a new study indicates.

University of Miami researchers chose 240 women with non-metastatic breast cancer (it hadn't spread to other parts of the body) who were recruited for the study four to 10 weeks after surgery, and then they examined the physical activity levels and mental/physical health to those women.

The study found that the women who were physically active had less depression, less debilitating fatigue and a better quality of life during cancer treatment after surgery.

"Women who are physically active may also have more confidence in their own ability to continue with family-related, household, work-related or social activities, which bring meaning and satisfaction to their lives. This may lead to appraisals of lower fatigue, heightened quality of life and less depression," study author said.

The study was slated for presentation Friday at the Society of Behavioral Medicine's annual meeting, in New Orleans. The same researchers previously found that stress management improves breast cancer treatment.